by: downunder - 9th June 2007

Full review

The Remarkables ski area is a forty five minute drive from Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island. Be warned, the access road is white knuckle driving. It's worth it when you get to the top as The Remarkables feels like a European Alpine experience high in the clouds with mountain peaks all around.
The bowls of the Remarkables are sunny and open with some south facing chutes that remain sun protected. The resort isn't enormous, there's 220 hectares of skiable terrain but if you're prepared to hike you'll get some fresh tracks and challenging skiing in the Finger Chutes or even on Homeward Bound with views of Lake Wakatipu.
This year Snow Park Technologies USA have designed the terrain parks and rails at the Remarkables which are some of the best in the country. It's a youthful resort with live music on the sundeck at lunch and a good atmosphere.
The beginners area sits in front of the day lodge with an easy transition to the green runs above. Runs aren't long but they are open and wide.
Skiers and boarders stay in nearby Queenstown for some serious apres ski. This town goes off every winter.